Peugeot shows off diesel hybrid RCZ

Peugeot has chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil a new concept version of its RCZ coupe that shows that performance and concern for the environment can go hand-in-hand.

The RCZ Hybrid4 has the same powertrain as the 3008 Hybrid4, which was announced in July: a 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine and a 37bhp electric motor.

These combine to give the car a total output of 200bhp, a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 134mph.

Despite these figures, the four-wheel-drive RCZ averages over 76mpg and emits just 95g/km – less than a Ford Fiesta Econetic on both counts.

Both axles drivenThe key to the car's low emissions is that, while the diesel engine drives the front wheels, the electric motor drives the rear wheels.

This means that it can run for a very limited amount of time on electric power only with zero emissions. When maximum acceleration is needed, both motors can run at once. It can also run as a conventional front-wheel drive diesel car.

This arrangement also gives the concept part-time four-wheel drive.

Will it be built?The company is yet to confirm if it will put this version of the RCZ into production. However, Peugeot has said that it plans to put the 3008 Hybrid4 – the world's first diesel hybrid – on sale in 2011.

When announcing this concept, Peugeot said it wanted to offer this technology across more of its model range, and that this car illustrated a 'new chapter' in its vehicles.

So, if we liked a flutter, we'd be putting our money on something very similar to this concept appearing in a Peugeot showroom in the not-too-distant future.